Paul Guenther (American football)

Paul Guenther
Dallas Cowboys
Position:	Defensive run game coordinator
Personal information
Born:	November 22, 1971 (age 53); Richboro, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
High school:	Council Rock North; (Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania)
College:	Ursinus
Career history
As a coach:
	Western Maryland (1994–1995); Assistant; Ursinus (1996); Assistant; Jacksonville (1997); Defensive coordinator; Ursinus (1997–2000); Head coach; West Texas State (2001); Defensive backs coach; Washington Redskins (2002–2003); Offensive assistant/Offensive quality control coach; Cincinnati Bengals (2005) ; Staff assistant; Cincinnati Bengals (2006) ; Assistant special teams/assistant defensive backs; Cincinnati Bengals (2007-2010) ; Assistant special teams/assistant linebackers; Cincinnati Bengals (2011) ; Assistant special teams/assistant defensive backs; Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2013); Linebackers coach; Cincinnati Bengals (2014–2017); Defensive coordinator; Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2018–2020); Defensive coordinator; Minnesota Vikings (2021); Senior defensive assistant; Dallas Cowboys (2024–present); Defensive run game coordinator;
	Record at Pro Football Reference

Paul Guenther (born November 22, 1971) is an American football coach who is the defensive run game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Guenther was the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2014 to 2017 and the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders from 2018 to 2020.

Playing career

Guenther played linebacker for the Ursinus Bears from 1990 to 1993 and was the team's most valuable defensive player twice. He set the Centennial Conference record for most career tackles with 355.^[1]

Coaching career

Ursinus College

In 1997, he was named head coach of his alma mater. He was the first Ursinus alumni to coach the school's football team since Ray Gurzynski in 1959 and at the age of 25, was the youngest head football coach at an NCAA college. He compiled a 25-18 record over his four seasons as head coach. Guenther announced his resignation on November 29, 2000, citing he and school president John Strassburger's "different expectations for the program." His .581 winning percentage was the third best in school history.^[2]

West Texas State

After leaving Ursinus, Guenther spent one season as the defensive backs coach at West Texas State.^[3]

Washington Redskins

Guenther was hired by the Washington Redskins as an offensive assistant in 2002. He assisted wide receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. and prepared a weekly scouting report on the next opponent's defense.^[3]

Cincinnati Bengals

In 2004, Guenther was hired by the Cincinnati Bengals as an advance scout. He also assisted wide receivers coach Hue Jackson during training camp. He had previously worked with head coach Marvin Lewis in Washington.^[4] He was a special teams and defensive assistant from 2006 to 2014, when he was promoted to defensive coordinator after Mike Zimmer left to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.^[5]

Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders

In 2018, Guenther was hired by the Oakland Raiders as their defensive coordinator serving under head coach Jon Gruden. On December 13, 2020, Guenther was fired by the Raiders following a 44–27 loss against the Indianapolis Colts.

Minnesota Vikings

On February 10, 2021, Guenther was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as a senior defensive assistant, reuniting with head coach Mike Zimmer.^[6]

Dallas Cowboys

On February 16, 2024, Guenther was hired by the Dallas Cowboys to serve as the team's defensive run game coordinator.^[7]

Head coaching record

College


Year	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Bowl/playoffs
Ursinus Bears (Centennial Conference) (1997–2000)
1997	Ursinus	4–6	3–4	5th
1998	Ursinus	3–7	2–5	T–6th
1999	Ursinus	10–2	6–1	2nd	L NCAA Division III Second Round
2000	Ursinus	8–3	5–2	3rd	L ECAC South
Ursinus:		25–18	16–12
Total:		25–18